I have neglected my blog. I apologize.
Allen's job is still boring, my job is still icky, but surprisingly we both really enjoy our life right now. I love where we live, it is a really nice area with tons of fun stuff to do. We are still close enough to Searcy to feel connected but far enough away to feel independent. We went to Searcy last weekend to see my family for Easter and watch Julie in her first Spring Sing at Harding. It was so refreshing to go back to Searcy and spend time with friends and family. Kaya even made a new friend, our friends Katie and Nate brought their doxie Kevin over for a playdate, it was just an all around great weekend.
This weekend is Memphis in May, Beale Street Music Festival and my friend Brittany since I have known since way back in the Florida days came to spend the weekend with us. It has been a lot of fun having her here! We stayed up late last night baking chocolate chip cookies and watching Disney princess movies. Yes, I am aware that I am 23. Brittany is a thrifty shopper and I was telling her what a big deal Goodwill stores were in this area. There are donation centers ALL over town. For example, I work 27 miles away from my house and I pass 5 drive through donation centers on my way to work. I have never been a huge thrift store fan, call me snooty but I've just never really gotten the thrill of rifling through someone's used items. Until Today, I went to the local Goodwill today and I have been converted. High quality children's books for less than a dollar? Yes please! The local Wal-mart makes donations to goodwill so some of the items are new in the packaging! Now I am normally espcially weirded out by thrift store shoes and clothes but I was very plesantly surprised. There were items from very high quality brands that looked as if they had never been worn. Many still had the tags on them! Maybe this is how thrifting is for most people, but this was my first fun experience with it. Here is the rundown on our purchases today.
Lasko Oscillating tower fan normally $49.99... $6.99
Children's book normally $11.99... $0.99
Michael Kohrs Nautical Capris normally an outlandish $598... $4.99
Nurtures peep toe wedge heels (brand-spanking new looking) normally $79.99...$9.99
We came home today with a children's book, a oscilating tower fan, a pair of Michael Kohrs pants, and a pair of Nurtures shoes for $28.00!!!
I am such a fan!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Handy Lady
I have been at my job for over a month now and sadly it hasn't gotten any better. I just tell myself every day that "this too shall pass" and I get through the day knowing that our school district is holding interviews for the rest of this month so hopefully something will come of that and I will be classroom bound! Onward and upward!
To cope with the ickiness of my job and the fact that Allen is wrapped in so much training right now I have decided to take on a challenge... our patio.
Our apartment has a great patio, unfortunately we are not great patio owners. We have neglected ours and it has become a dusty wasteland of junk we don't have room for in the house/don't know what to do with/ forgot we even owned. We had a beautiful day on Saturday and we wanted to take advantage of that and eat dinner outside... we opened the back door and quickly shut it and sat down and had our dinner indoors. It was overwhelming disgusting. So I decided today that I wanted to make our outdoor space something that we could enjoy this spring/summer and I set to work on transforming it. When I say transform I mean I left Lowe's this morning with a power tool and a car full of lumber and paint... I'm not talking about hosing it down! I know it is a big job but I will have some extra time on my hands during the evenings this week and I want to see if I can complete my challenge in time to have friends over this weekend!
Much to Allen's dismay I don't have a written out plan or step by step instructions. I didn't watch a how-to video or print off a blueprint. I have a plan in my head and I am pretty creative, I think I can make this work. This is a part of my personality that drives Allen up the wall, so I'm going to keep him minimally informed until if is finished... I'll post pictures once it is done, we'll see how it goes! :)
In other news the weather is gorgeous and my garden is growing! I will post pictures of that soon as well. We love eating veggies straight from the garden. Yum!
To cope with the ickiness of my job and the fact that Allen is wrapped in so much training right now I have decided to take on a challenge... our patio.
Our apartment has a great patio, unfortunately we are not great patio owners. We have neglected ours and it has become a dusty wasteland of junk we don't have room for in the house/don't know what to do with/ forgot we even owned. We had a beautiful day on Saturday and we wanted to take advantage of that and eat dinner outside... we opened the back door and quickly shut it and sat down and had our dinner indoors. It was overwhelming disgusting. So I decided today that I wanted to make our outdoor space something that we could enjoy this spring/summer and I set to work on transforming it. When I say transform I mean I left Lowe's this morning with a power tool and a car full of lumber and paint... I'm not talking about hosing it down! I know it is a big job but I will have some extra time on my hands during the evenings this week and I want to see if I can complete my challenge in time to have friends over this weekend!
Much to Allen's dismay I don't have a written out plan or step by step instructions. I didn't watch a how-to video or print off a blueprint. I have a plan in my head and I am pretty creative, I think I can make this work. This is a part of my personality that drives Allen up the wall, so I'm going to keep him minimally informed until if is finished... I'll post pictures once it is done, we'll see how it goes! :)
In other news the weather is gorgeous and my garden is growing! I will post pictures of that soon as well. We love eating veggies straight from the garden. Yum!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
My New Job... and other news
I started my new job the Tuesday after Valentine's day. The first week was all training ( this school is part of a nationwide company, so there are very strict company procedures and policies that I had to be trained for.) I started teaching in the classroom this Tuesday. This school is much different from anywhere I have ever taught before. There are no consequences for inappropriate behavior, which makes classroom management near impossible. I have come home with a headache every night this week on the edge of tears because this new school is just such an adjustment. I will not be able to share much about it through the blog due to new teacher/blog implications but if you would like to know more e-mail me and I will be happy to share.
(This teacher in PA has been suspended pending trial and may lose her job due to comments on her personal blog about her student's behavior. Teacher's Blog Case.)
I just finished reading I Am Number Four, I can't wait to go see the movie now, it was such a good book!
Allen has a lot going on these next few weeks, more on that later (again, e-mail me if you would like to know more) And please be praying for the budget situation in congress to work out quickly. The democrats and republicans are fighting with each other over the budget and to "prove a point" if they don't resolve the issue by March 4th (this Friday) then they will shut down the Government until an agreement can be met; which means Allen will be without pay for an undetermined amount of time. That's pretty bad news. This has happened before and they are saying it is very likely that it will happen again. The news article is here.
I am dreading going back to work on Monday... I think this chaotic classroom environment just might be my demise!
Nah, I know it will be okay, it is just going to take an extra dose of patience.
(This teacher in PA has been suspended pending trial and may lose her job due to comments on her personal blog about her student's behavior. Teacher's Blog Case.)
I just finished reading I Am Number Four, I can't wait to go see the movie now, it was such a good book!
Allen has a lot going on these next few weeks, more on that later (again, e-mail me if you would like to know more) And please be praying for the budget situation in congress to work out quickly. The democrats and republicans are fighting with each other over the budget and to "prove a point" if they don't resolve the issue by March 4th (this Friday) then they will shut down the Government until an agreement can be met; which means Allen will be without pay for an undetermined amount of time. That's pretty bad news. This has happened before and they are saying it is very likely that it will happen again. The news article is here.
I am dreading going back to work on Monday... I think this chaotic classroom environment just might be my demise!
Nah, I know it will be okay, it is just going to take an extra dose of patience.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Bed and Breakfast
We recently returned from our whirlwind trip to Florida...*whew*
We LOVE getting to visit, but this particular visit was a difficult one. Hopefully next time we make the trip it will be strictly vacation!
And I swear that Florida is farther away each time we drive there... I don't know how, but I am convinced it's true!
Even though the nature of the trip was a tough one, the time spent there was no less enjoyable. It is always such a blessing to get to be with family.
On the subject of family... here is a pretty fantastic one:
We LOVE getting to visit, but this particular visit was a difficult one. Hopefully next time we make the trip it will be strictly vacation!
And I swear that Florida is farther away each time we drive there... I don't know how, but I am convinced it's true!
Even though the nature of the trip was a tough one, the time spent there was no less enjoyable. It is always such a blessing to get to be with family.
On the subject of family... here is a pretty fantastic one:
The more the merrier. We were so excited about our surprise guest!
And of course the guys had to stop in the middle of the picture taking to inspect an engine.
I think it's a Henry thing...
"Black shades, white gloves,
lookin' sharp, lookin' for love.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man."
haha.
Aside from the time we all were able to spend together the next best part of our trip had to be our accommodations.
Since our trip was unexpected we weren't sure what the housing arrangements would be like and we were prepared to sleep anywhere...
Little did we know about the treat in store for us, our stay at the Henry Bed and Breakfast.
We had a luxurious, private suite to ourselves, full access to a common area that was shared between ourselves, the owners, and the other guest. The owners provided a stress-free, pet friendly environment. They went above and beyond, even caring for our furry friend when we were out of the house. The friendliness of staff was exceptional, although the dress code was not strictly enforced, especially in the evenings.
We have never slept better, the mattress slept like a dream. And the owners were so generous, they even offered to let us take it home with us!
All in all it was a wonderful experience, we would recommend it to all of our friends, and we will definitely be staying here again!
On the ridiculously lengthy car ride home we discussed our stay and decided that if we were to give it a rating it would hold a solid 4.5 stars.
(a 5 star rating would have been possible perhaps with breakfast in bed or a complimentary mattress delivery service)
Since our trip was unexpected we weren't sure what the housing arrangements would be like and we were prepared to sleep anywhere...
Little did we know about the treat in store for us, our stay at the Henry Bed and Breakfast.
We had a luxurious, private suite to ourselves, full access to a common area that was shared between ourselves, the owners, and the other guest. The owners provided a stress-free, pet friendly environment. They went above and beyond, even caring for our furry friend when we were out of the house. The friendliness of staff was exceptional, although the dress code was not strictly enforced, especially in the evenings.
We have never slept better, the mattress slept like a dream. And the owners were so generous, they even offered to let us take it home with us!
All in all it was a wonderful experience, we would recommend it to all of our friends, and we will definitely be staying here again!
On the ridiculously lengthy car ride home we discussed our stay and decided that if we were to give it a rating it would hold a solid 4.5 stars.
(a 5 star rating would have been possible perhaps with breakfast in bed or a complimentary mattress delivery service)
Basketball Jones
Allen and I took our first trip back to Arkansas (besides Christmas) to visit my family. It was a triple trip because we went to celebrate Dad's birthday, Julie's Birthday, and to see Jaden play basketball.
Isn't that a nice looking family?
Isn't that a nice looking family?
Jaden did SO well at his game! He was a good listener, paid close attention and did just what he was supposed to! He made quite a few baskets, the most out of any of the kids... I think we stopped counting at 7!
I am so glad we were able to make it. It was a lot of fun to get to watch, and as always it is nice to get to hang out with family and escape housework for a weekend!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year
Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown
Am I a pessimist regarding New Year's traditions? I wouldn't go that far... but do I look at the holiday with a bit of skepticism. When you are in school January marks the start of a new semester, but aside from that what is the worldwide reverence of January? It seems to me like an awful time to start the "This year i'm going to work out!" resolution because let's face it... if you don't wake up at 5 to go jogging in the beautiful spring and fall seasons, is it really logical to start in the dead of winter? Just walk into wal-mart this week, all of the Christmas decoration aisles have been replaced with Ab blasters and yoga mats... are we really that predictable?
Now I am not against New Years resolutions, I know that some people find them very helpful and motivational... I guess I am just looking for something more. I look back every Jamuary at the year that has passed by. This January is a particularly momentous one because one year ago we graduated form college. Wow. That was a YEAR ago! What have we accomplished in that year? Well I taught for one semester. Allen got an amazing job working for the University. Allen was offered an amazing oppertunity to work with the Treasury Department. We packed up and moved away from our safety net in Searcy. We've started this new life together and have been trying to get settled and make new friends. I have been searching like a mad woman to find a teaching position, but have also really enjoyed getting to be a full time wife for a few months. I know I fuss a lot about finding a job but it has truely been a wonderful experience getting to focus so much on other things. and now here we are, back to January again.
What a year. *whew*
What's next?
I guess part of my skepticism towards New Year's resolutions is that they seem to be somewhat shallow... not all of them of course, but a lot of the bandwagon resolutions just don't seem meaningful. I personally prefer to look backwards at this time of the year and just be amazed at how far we've come from last year, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let's take the good and pray that God helps it grow over the next year. Let's leave the bad behind, it's over. And I guess we can take the ugly and try to work on that so that there is a little less of it next time around.
Enough of that, sorry I got carried away, that's just what was on my mind today.
I'm off to make dinner (Herbed chicken with roasted asparagus and couscous) I hope this new year finds you happy and healthy and just all around fabulous!
"Let each new year find you a better person." ~Benjamin Franklin
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown
Am I a pessimist regarding New Year's traditions? I wouldn't go that far... but do I look at the holiday with a bit of skepticism. When you are in school January marks the start of a new semester, but aside from that what is the worldwide reverence of January? It seems to me like an awful time to start the "This year i'm going to work out!" resolution because let's face it... if you don't wake up at 5 to go jogging in the beautiful spring and fall seasons, is it really logical to start in the dead of winter? Just walk into wal-mart this week, all of the Christmas decoration aisles have been replaced with Ab blasters and yoga mats... are we really that predictable?
Now I am not against New Years resolutions, I know that some people find them very helpful and motivational... I guess I am just looking for something more. I look back every Jamuary at the year that has passed by. This January is a particularly momentous one because one year ago we graduated form college. Wow. That was a YEAR ago! What have we accomplished in that year? Well I taught for one semester. Allen got an amazing job working for the University. Allen was offered an amazing oppertunity to work with the Treasury Department. We packed up and moved away from our safety net in Searcy. We've started this new life together and have been trying to get settled and make new friends. I have been searching like a mad woman to find a teaching position, but have also really enjoyed getting to be a full time wife for a few months. I know I fuss a lot about finding a job but it has truely been a wonderful experience getting to focus so much on other things. and now here we are, back to January again.
What a year. *whew*
What's next?
I guess part of my skepticism towards New Year's resolutions is that they seem to be somewhat shallow... not all of them of course, but a lot of the bandwagon resolutions just don't seem meaningful. I personally prefer to look backwards at this time of the year and just be amazed at how far we've come from last year, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let's take the good and pray that God helps it grow over the next year. Let's leave the bad behind, it's over. And I guess we can take the ugly and try to work on that so that there is a little less of it next time around.
Enough of that, sorry I got carried away, that's just what was on my mind today.
I'm off to make dinner (Herbed chicken with roasted asparagus and couscous) I hope this new year finds you happy and healthy and just all around fabulous!
"Let each new year find you a better person." ~Benjamin Franklin
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Winter Wonderland?
Isn't there a rule in nature that when it is unreasonably cold outside there MUST be snow to make it worthwhile? If not, we need to make that a rule because it is a frigid mess outside!
Saturday night the temperature dropped so drastically that it made our tires go flat, we found this out on our way to church Sunday morning. It wasn't as awful as it sounds, but my car has really sensitive pressure sensors and it wouldn't let us drive until we put more air in so Allen got out in his church clothes with an air compressor to fix the problem (our new neighbors probably think we're nuts!)
I went on a job interview last week , it wasn't anything to get super excited about, it was just a substitute position for two months, but anything is something so I was really looking forward to it. I got to the school and almost didn't even get out of the car! There were bars on every door and window, signs that looked like this:
at an elementary school! I went up to the main door and pushed a button to get scanned in, the surveilance camera moved up and down to "search" me, I went inside and had to get my license scanned into the computer system to make sure I didn't have a record and get a photo I.D. printed out for my INTERVIEW! I couldn't believe how crazy the security was! I met with the principal and our interview wen well, but I just don't think it was a good fit. He asked what type of relationship I would have with the students and I replied "A relationship of mutual respect, I will treat every student in my classroom with respect, but in return I will expect the same thing" and he said "there are some tough kids around here, trust me, you won't be respecting all of them" Overall I just don't think it would have worked out regardless, plus it was well over an hour away so I'm not too terribly heartbroken it didn't work out.
I know this is a long shot but ever since I found out we were moving to the Memphis area I have been applying at St. Jude's to work in there child development/education program. They have such an incredible program that openings are very, very hard to get and they can afford to be very picky and the requirements are very difficult. Each time I have applied I have gotten a very poilite rejection letter within a week, but a few weeks ago I applied again for a different position and I have not received a rejection letter yet (yay!) so I might still be in the running! So keep me in your thoughts and prayers because this would be the opprotunity of a lifetime!
In other news Allen and I are super excited because his family is coming to stay with us for Christmas and they will be here a week from tomorrow! I have a lot of cleaning to do! Thankfully *almost* everything is unpacked now and we are feeling nice and settled in! This is my FAVORITE time of the year to decorate so the house is pretty well "decked out" for the holidays, and it feels so nice.
We are still looking for a good church in the area, we have been visiting two churches and both are very friendly. A couple from one of the churches dropped by our house last night to visit with us, we probably need to decide pretty soon, but it has turned out to be a tough decision for the two of us.
In other news, while I am waiting on a teaching job to come along I've decided to try a few side jobs. I am offering tutoring to children in our neighborhood after school and (the most exciting part) I am going to try and do some graphic design work on the side! I have always loved doing it as a hobby, and I whip things up as favors for friends but I had never considered doing it to supplement our income before, so this is a new adventure for us. If you know of anyone needing anything (birth announcements, party invitations, business cards, promotional materials etc.) feel free to send them to me. I am opening an online shop and will post the link as soon as it is up and running, but in the meantime here is a way to check it out if you are interested: Jamie.Henry.Designs
or there should be a link over to the right of the page --->
I know I promised house pictures, and even though everything isn't finished yet (we still have a few things to hang on the walls and a few things are out of place) here is where we are:
This is our living room , I am standing in the entryway hallway and the door you can see is the door to the patio.
This is our entryway complete with hanging ornaments for the holidays!
Our pile of presents under the tree for our families (I just LOVE the wrapping paper I found this year!Living right down the street from a Target is rocking my socks off!)
Allen's dad took these next two pictures when we went to Oklahoma for his cousins wedding a few months back, sorry they are kindof random, this uploading program always gets my pictures out of order and I haven't figured out how to fix that yet!)
Our beautiful tree with the the star topper that year after year refuses to stay on straight!
This is the first Christmas that we have had a fireplace and a mantel! This is my favorite part!
Well, the mantel is my favorite part of my decorations...my favorite part of the Holidays is getting to spend time with family, and this Christmas is going to be especially fun due to this little guy at this magical age. Just look at the belief in his face, this is going to be such a fun Christmas morning!
Oh, Allen and I got to go to a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game last week. It was a Harding event so we were able to see some people we knew and enjoy the game. I'm not a huge pro-sports fan (I prefer college...specifically the RAZORBACKS! WOO PIG!) but it was still a really neat experience.
And last but not least Kaya and Abilene sure seem to be settling in well to their new home! Aren't they precious?
Happy Holidays!
Saturday night the temperature dropped so drastically that it made our tires go flat, we found this out on our way to church Sunday morning. It wasn't as awful as it sounds, but my car has really sensitive pressure sensors and it wouldn't let us drive until we put more air in so Allen got out in his church clothes with an air compressor to fix the problem (our new neighbors probably think we're nuts!)
I went on a job interview last week , it wasn't anything to get super excited about, it was just a substitute position for two months, but anything is something so I was really looking forward to it. I got to the school and almost didn't even get out of the car! There were bars on every door and window, signs that looked like this:
at an elementary school! I went up to the main door and pushed a button to get scanned in, the surveilance camera moved up and down to "search" me, I went inside and had to get my license scanned into the computer system to make sure I didn't have a record and get a photo I.D. printed out for my INTERVIEW! I couldn't believe how crazy the security was! I met with the principal and our interview wen well, but I just don't think it was a good fit. He asked what type of relationship I would have with the students and I replied "A relationship of mutual respect, I will treat every student in my classroom with respect, but in return I will expect the same thing" and he said "there are some tough kids around here, trust me, you won't be respecting all of them" Overall I just don't think it would have worked out regardless, plus it was well over an hour away so I'm not too terribly heartbroken it didn't work out.
I know this is a long shot but ever since I found out we were moving to the Memphis area I have been applying at St. Jude's to work in there child development/education program. They have such an incredible program that openings are very, very hard to get and they can afford to be very picky and the requirements are very difficult. Each time I have applied I have gotten a very poilite rejection letter within a week, but a few weeks ago I applied again for a different position and I have not received a rejection letter yet (yay!) so I might still be in the running! So keep me in your thoughts and prayers because this would be the opprotunity of a lifetime!
In other news Allen and I are super excited because his family is coming to stay with us for Christmas and they will be here a week from tomorrow! I have a lot of cleaning to do! Thankfully *almost* everything is unpacked now and we are feeling nice and settled in! This is my FAVORITE time of the year to decorate so the house is pretty well "decked out" for the holidays, and it feels so nice.
We are still looking for a good church in the area, we have been visiting two churches and both are very friendly. A couple from one of the churches dropped by our house last night to visit with us, we probably need to decide pretty soon, but it has turned out to be a tough decision for the two of us.
In other news, while I am waiting on a teaching job to come along I've decided to try a few side jobs. I am offering tutoring to children in our neighborhood after school and (the most exciting part) I am going to try and do some graphic design work on the side! I have always loved doing it as a hobby, and I whip things up as favors for friends but I had never considered doing it to supplement our income before, so this is a new adventure for us. If you know of anyone needing anything (birth announcements, party invitations, business cards, promotional materials etc.) feel free to send them to me. I am opening an online shop and will post the link as soon as it is up and running, but in the meantime here is a way to check it out if you are interested: Jamie.Henry.Designs
or there should be a link over to the right of the page --->
I know I promised house pictures, and even though everything isn't finished yet (we still have a few things to hang on the walls and a few things are out of place) here is where we are:
This is our living room , I am standing in the entryway hallway and the door you can see is the door to the patio.
This is our entryway complete with hanging ornaments for the holidays!
Our pile of presents under the tree for our families (I just LOVE the wrapping paper I found this year!Living right down the street from a Target is rocking my socks off!)
Allen's dad took these next two pictures when we went to Oklahoma for his cousins wedding a few months back, sorry they are kindof random, this uploading program always gets my pictures out of order and I haven't figured out how to fix that yet!)
Our beautiful tree with the the star topper that year after year refuses to stay on straight!
This is the first Christmas that we have had a fireplace and a mantel! This is my favorite part!
Well, the mantel is my favorite part of my decorations...my favorite part of the Holidays is getting to spend time with family, and this Christmas is going to be especially fun due to this little guy at this magical age. Just look at the belief in his face, this is going to be such a fun Christmas morning!
Oh, Allen and I got to go to a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game last week. It was a Harding event so we were able to see some people we knew and enjoy the game. I'm not a huge pro-sports fan (I prefer college...specifically the RAZORBACKS! WOO PIG!) but it was still a really neat experience.
And last but not least Kaya and Abilene sure seem to be settling in well to their new home! Aren't they precious?
Happy Holidays!
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